Face sunscreen is another important addition. Besides protecting your skin from the sun, regular use of face sunscreen can help prevent signs of aging. But no one wants to apply gloppy, pasty sunscreen right before work and show up with a greasy complexion and a white cast. We asked our testing team to try some different face sunscreens and share how easy they were to apply, whether they left a white residue, and more—all with the goal of finding good options for a variety of skin types. Here are our favorites.

Best Face Sunscreen of 2026

• Best Overall Sunscreen for Face: EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum
• Best Sunscreen for Mature Skin: OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF
• Best Tinted Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
• Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen
• Best Sunscreen for Most Skin Types: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
• Best Korean Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen

Best Face Sunscreen Comparison Table

Sunscreen	Type	Active ingredients	SPF	Tinted
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum	Chemical and mineral	Octinoxate 7.5%, zinc oxide 9.0%	46	No
OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF	Mineral	Zinc oxide 17.5%	30	Available in untinted or tinted
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50	Mineral	Titanium dioxide 11% (tinted shade), titanium dioxide 17%, zinc oxide 8% (medium shade, medium deep shade, deep shade)	50	No
CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen	Mineral	Titanium dioxide 2.66%, zinc oxide 15.35%	50	No
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50	Chemical	Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 7%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 9%	50	No
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen	Chemical	Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 9.0%, octisalate 4.5%, octocrylene 5.0%	40	No

EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum
Type	Chemical and mineral
Active ingredients	Octinoxate 7.5%, zinc oxide 9.0%
SPF	46
Tinted	No
OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF
Type	Mineral
Active ingredients	Zinc oxide 17.5%
SPF	30
Tinted	Available in untinted or tinted
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
Type	Mineral
Active ingredients	Titanium dioxide 11% (tinted shade), titanium dioxide 17%, zinc oxide 8% (medium shade, medium deep shade, deep shade)
SPF	50
Tinted	No
CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen
Type	Mineral
Active ingredients	Titanium dioxide 2.66%, zinc oxide 15.35%
SPF	50
Tinted	No
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
Type	Chemical
Active ingredients	Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 7%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 9%
SPF	50
Tinted	No
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen
Type	Chemical
Active ingredients	Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 9.0%, octisalate 4.5%, octocrylene 5.0%
SPF	40
Tinted	No

Best Overall Sunscreen for Face: EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum

Our Thoughts on EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum

Our favorite face sunscreen, EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum, is hypoallergenic and suitable for acne-prone, oily, or combination skin, though it can be used daily by people with a variety of skin types. The website also specifically says this sunscreen is good for rosacea. The formula includes vitamin B3 “to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and discoloration on your skin,” and it contains both chemical and mineral active ingredients—including zinc oxide, an ingredient commonly found in mineral-based sunscreens.

This product is lightweight and also fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic. The company says it can even “help even skin tone,” and that it works best on people with fair, light, medium-light, or medium skin tones—and can also be layered under makeup. All of this, combined with its standout performance during testing, makes EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum our pick for best overall sunscreen for face. 

Our tester, Katie, says she has combination skin that can be dry during certain times of the year, and she tried EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum. She was outside a lot during the testing period—nearly three hours per day on weekdays, and six or more hours per day on weekends—and Katie reports she was “incredibly impressed by this sunscreen.” 

The application process was excellent, said Katie, as “The pump bottle immediately pumped an evenly dispersed sunscreen without having any trouble getting the product started whatsoever. I used just under a quarter-sized amount.” It also blended very well. “Oftentimes I struggle with sunscreen ‘pilling’ on my skin upon application,” said Katie, “But this blended very easily on my skin and did not leave any white cast at all. My makeup went on perfectly on top of it.” Katie rated the product a 5 out of 5 for how easy it was to apply, noting that she applied it over her regular moisturizer. 

The texture and feel of this sunscreen earned another 5 out of 5. Katie said, “It’s a moderate-weight sunscreen that spread evenly. It dried quickly and did not feel greasy or chalky.” In fact, she said, “It left an incredible finish on my skin and almost felt like a moisturizer—but with added sun protection.” She rated it another 5 out of 5 for its smooth finish. 

Overall, said Katie, “I did not find this product to break down over the course of the day. My skin is typically susceptible to burning. I was out in the sun for an extended period of time, and this product kept me protected. I did reapply after a couple of hours.” 

She also noted, “This sunscreen is exceptionally well-suited for a busy professional. It layers well with skincare and makeup, feels comfortable all day, and provides reliable protection with minimal effort. Whether you’re walking to and from the office or enjoying a lunch break outside, you’re protected.”

Specs:

• Type: Chemical and mineral
• SPF level: 46
• Price per ounce: $26.47
• Tinted: No

Best Sunscreen for Mature Skin: OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF

Our Thoughts on OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF

OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF is a mineral-based sunscreen that purportedly protects against three types of aging, according to the company website. The product is dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, safe for sensitive skin, and “powered by the OS-01 Senescence Blocking Peptide”—which is billed as “the first and only peptide scientifically proven to reverse skin’s biological age.” While the company cites two studies as support, we should note both were funded by OneSkin Technologies. (This isn’t necessarily a reason to discount them, but to view them with some measure of skepticism.)

The product also includes five antioxidants, including vitamin C, green tea, acai extract, tara fruit extract, sunflower sprout, and bisabolol. 

Courtney, a member of our testing team who describes her skin as dry, sensitive, and uneven, tried this sunscreen. She said the product “spread pretty evenly” and “was slightly thicker than moisturizer but still lightweight.” She rated it a 4 out of 5 for application.

Our tester said, “It did feel slightly greasy upon initial application. But once it was absorbed, the greasy feeling was no longer there—though there was a very slight feeling of it being on top of the skin.” She rated it a 4.5 out of 5 for its texture and feel.

“There was a slightly dewy finish,” Courtney noted, “But at some point, it became absorbed. It looked nice on its own.” She rated it a 3.5 out of 5 for its finish.

Courtney said this sunscreen “felt comfortable throughout the day,” explaining that her only issue—which she said was not a big deal—was that the product took a little time to absorb. “But by the time I was walking out of the house, it was fine.” If you have a packed schedule, this is something to consider. 

A few other things Courtney liked: She said she felt this sunscreen actually protected her skin without adding to her redness or discoloration; it didn’t run into her eyes when swimming, and it didn’t irritate her sensitive skin. She also recommends it for busy folks who prioritize career, saying it’s easy to apply and comfortable on skin, though you do need to make sure you allow it time to absorb. 

Specs:

• Type: Mineral
• SPF level: 30
• Price per ounce: $41.48
• Tinted: Available in untinted or tinted

Best Tinted Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50

Our Thoughts on La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen is a tinted mineral-based sunscreen with a “gentle, non-greasy texture,” according to the company website. It can be worn alone or used as a base for makeup application. It’s available in four shades and suitable for all skin types. This sunscreen is also suitable for sensitive skin, and it’s been dermatologist-tested for safety.

Our tester, Paige, who describes her skin as very dry with some acne, tested La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen. 

“This product spreads very easily and smoothly on the skin,” said Paige, noting that it has a thin, lightweight feel. She rated the application a 4.5 out of 5, and gave the texture and feel another 4.5 out of 5. “This product is extremely lightweight and breathable,” she said, and “It absorbs easily and is not greasy or sticky.” Paige also said you don’t need much product to cover your entire face.

Paige liked the product finish as well, rating it a 5 out of 5. “The tint is very subtle but enhances the skin tone nicely, and it has a natural or slight sheen to it which is nice without looking oily,” she explained. Paige did say the coverage seemed to “wear down” later in the day, especially when sweating (and she noted that she sweats a lot on her face), but she also said the instructions state to reapply every two hours, which would help with any decrease in coverage that occurs throughout the day.

“This product is great for a busy professional,” added Paige, explaining, “It can double as easy on-the-go makeup as well because of the tint. It also has a very natural finish that’s not too obvious in harsh lighting, and no white cast if you’re on camera for work.”

Specs:

• Type: Mineral
• SPF level: 50
• Price per ounce: $23.52
• Tinted: Yes

Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen

Our Thoughts on CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen

CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen is a mineral-based sunscreen that’s suitable for a variety of skin types, including both sensitive and acne-prone skin. This product is designed to have a transparent finish, even across a range of skin tones, and to help “restore and protect your skin barrier,” according to the company website. The formula contains three ceramides and something called “MVE technology,” all of which are meant to help with hydration.

A member of our testing team, Parker, said she has normal skin that isn’t oily or dry, and she tested this product. 

She noted that it “spreads extremely easily and evenly” when being applied, calling it a “very liquid product.” Parker explained, “It’s very lightweight and isn’t difficult to layer over other skincare products,” adding, “Upon application, you can barely feel it on your skin.” Parker rated the application process a 5 out of 5, and the texture a 4 out of 5.

“It does leave a slightly greasy feel and look when applied,” said Parker, “Though it’s still very breathable and has a natural finish for the most part.” Parker also said that some areas had a slight white cast, which she attributed to zinc being the primary ingredient. She rated the finish a 3.5 out of 5.

Parker was impressed with the sunscreen’s performance, saying she had no noticeable redness or sunburn after being in the sun for a while. “It does hold up being outside for a long time, and even getting wet,” she said. 

This product is also ideal for career-focused individuals, noted Parker, as it’s quick to apply, easy to layer with other products, and holds up throughout the workday.

Specs:

• Type: Mineral
• SPF level: 50
• Price per ounce: $10.49
• Tinted: No

Sunscreen for Most Skin Types: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50

Our Thoughts on Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50

Supergoop! says its “iconic” sunscreen is invisible, weightless, scent-free, non-irritating, and doubles as a makeup primer. The company also says the product is non-acnegenic for acne-prone and sensitive skin and “is clinically tested to improve skin clarity,” but it doesn’t state what the clinical trials concluded. It’s also worth noting that the clinical study was conducted using a small sample size of 33 women. 

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a gel formulated to feel weightless and breathable, with a natural finish that doesn’t leave a white cast. It’s recommended for a variety of skin types, including normal, combination, dry, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. 

Our tester, Kayla, who says her skin is very dry, shared her experience using this sunscreen. 

She used this sunscreen before spending all day on a boat, saying she was outdoors for five hours and did not reapply. “This sunscreen I would equate more to a face primer with sunscreen benefits. The consistency is more like a slippery silicone texture, and spreads very easily,” said Kayla, rating it a 5 out of 5 on application. “My only complaint is that it’s clear, so it’s hard to know you hit every area,” she added.

As for the texture, Kayla said, “It doesn’t feel tacky, greasy, or heavy,” and it “spreads really well,” so there were no issues achieving proper coverage. She rated the texture and feel a 4 out of 5.

“Since the texture of this is more of a silicone primer feeling, it feels dewy or wet. It’s not a product you can keep rubbing, and it will eventually get dry,” Kayla explained, noting, “The finish of this product is really shiny. I will say this finish isn’t great on its own, but it’s a great base for makeup.” She rated the finish a 4 out of 5. 

Kayla also appreciated the product’s moisturizing properties and said it feels nice on the face. She also touted its benefits as a primer, saying, “The makeup slips on right over the sunscreen and settles in the skin so nicely.” Additionally, after being on a boat all day, she said her face was well protected and that she didn’t experience any sunburn or dryness. 

In Kayla’s opinion, this sunscreen is also ideal for professionals because it’s easy to apply and can function as a makeup primer and moisturizer all in one. It’s breathable, convenient, dual-purpose, and doesn’t leave a white cast.

Specs:

• Type: Chemical
• SPF level: 50
• Price per ounce: $22.35
• Tinted: No

Best Korean Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen

Our Thoughts on Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen contains rice extract, which the website says contains vitamins B, C, and E, plus amino acids, all of which purportedly help moisturize the skin in addition to providing antioxidant benefits. This sunscreen also supposedly “absorbs effortlessly to hydrate, soothe, and protect,” and leaves skin “feeling balanced and soft.” The company also says Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen doesn’t leave a white cast.

This product is designed to be suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, and combination, and it can also be layered under other products. The website also says this sunscreen is clinically proven to be suitable for sensitive skin, according to a five-week study that involved 54 participants.

Emily, who’s part of our testing team (and distinct from our staff writer), tried this product. She says her skin tends to be dry and sensitive, and she had a positive experience using Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen.

Even though this product appeared to have a thick consistency, according to Emily, she said, “It spread smoothly and quickly blended into my skin.” She rated the application a 5 out of 5, adding, “It doesn’t pill when layering with makeup and other skincare.”  

The sunscreen’s texture and feel were also noteworthy. Emily said, “It’s creamy and feels lightweight on my skin. It doesn’t feel greasy at all, and it doesn’t leave an overly oily appearance. It dries down.” She rated the texture and feel a 5 out of 5. 

Another thing Emily liked about this sunscreen: “It gives a natural appearance, and would look good alone or underneath makeup,” she said. Emily rated the product finish a 5 out of 5. 

Emily felt that Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen offered strong sun protection, though she noted that she reapplied every two hours as well. Additionally, she said, “I didn’t experience any irritation or any breakouts from this sunscreen. It also works well layered with my moisturizer and my makeup.” And she felt it would be an ideal choice for a professional as well, given its quick dry-down and natural finish—which make it easy to include in a low-maintenance routine before the morning commute.

Specs:

• Type: Chemical
• SPF level: 40
• Price per ounce: $10.65
• Tinted: No

Why the Right Sunscreen Matters to Professionals 

A lot of high performers are focused on excellence both in and out of the office—including when it comes to personal health and fitness. And while sunscreen may not seem like an obvious part of a health routine, well, ask any dermatologist their opinion, and they’ll likely tell you sunscreen should be part of your daily routine for optimal skin health. 

However, sunscreen, especially face sunscreen, matters for aesthetic reasons, too: It can help your skin look healthier overall, which is important if you’re used to doing presentations, leading team meetings, and putting in face time with clients.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Sunscreen for Face 

Here’s what we looked for when choosing the best sunscreen for your face.

Texture and Feel

Some sunscreens feel thick and gloppy, while others feel light and silky. We paid attention to each product’s texture and how it felt when applied to the face.

Formula

We included both chemical and mineral sunscreens in our lineup, and we also looked at the so-called “inactive ingredients,” which sometimes include ingredients that the company says confer certain benefits.

Application and Coverage

Some sunscreens apply smoothly and spread easily, but face sunscreens can also feel thick and pasty sometimes. We asked our testers to note how easy the application process was and whether they felt the sunscreen provided good coverage without requiring a lot of additional product.

Skin Compatibility 

Many face sunscreens are designed for everyone to use, so our testers—who have a range of skin types—reported on how well a product worked on their particular skin type.

Value

While price isn’t the most important criterion when choosing a face sunscreen, we know it matters to many people. Here’s a look at the total cost of each product. Per-ounce costs range from $10.49 to $41.48, though as always, we like to remind our readers that price isn’t necessarily indicative of quality.

Sunscreen	Size	Price	Cost per ounce
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum	1.7 oz	$45	$26.47
OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF	1.35 fl oz	$56	$41.48
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50	1.7 fl oz	$39.99	$23.52
CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen	1.62 oz	$16.99	$10.49
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50	1.7 fl oz	$38	$22.35
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen	1.69 fl oz	$18	$10.65

EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum
Size	1.7 oz
Price	$45
Cost per ounce	$26.47
OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF
Size	1.35 fl oz
Price	$56
Cost per ounce	$41.48
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
Size	1.7 fl oz
Price	$39.99
Cost per ounce	$23.52
CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen
Size	1.62 oz
Price	$16.99
Cost per ounce	$10.49
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
Size	1.7 fl oz
Price	$38
Cost per ounce	$22.35
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen
Size	1.69 fl oz
Price	$18
Cost per ounce	$10.65

How to Find the Best Face Sunscreen for You

Here are some things to consider when shopping for a face sunscreen.

Your Skin Type

Everyone’s skin type is different, so take into account your unique skin needs. People with uneven skin tone might prefer a tinted sunscreen, for example, while those with oily skin may want a product with a matte, shine-free finish. 

SPF Level

There wasn’t a ton of variation in SPF levels among the products we tested, as most had an SPF of around 50. Still, consider what SPF you’re targeting, as face sunscreens offer a wide range.

Sunscreen Type

As you can see from our product lineup, active ingredients differ depending on whether the sunscreen is chemical- or mineral-based (or a combination of the two). Some people have a strong preference about which type they use. For example, people looking to avoid any risk of a white cast might generally try to avoid products with zinc oxide, whereas some people may prefer mineral-based options over chemical-based sunscreens.

We also spoke with an expert, Dr. Harry Dao, chair of the department of dermatology at Loma Linda University Health, who explained the two key sunscreen categories like this: “The two main sunscreen types on the market are physical (e.g., mineral, organic) and chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens usually have the active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Physical sunscreens in general have a reputation for being thicker in texture and work by reflecting and shielding the skin from UV light. Chemical sunscreens have chemical compounds (ex: avobenzone, oxybenzone, etc.) that absorb UV rays, helping to decrease UV- related skin damage.”

As Dr. Dao said, “If you don’t like your sunscreen, you won’t use it, so the most important thing is to find the right sunscreen that you like and are motivated to use daily.” He also added that physical sunscreens may be better for people who may have an allergic reaction to chemical sunscreens, noting that chemical sunscreens are more often associated with allergic reactions.

Finish

Some sunscreens may have a matte, shine-free finish, whereas others might give a dewier look. Think about the overall effect you’re looking for before purchasing, taking into account your own skin type as well. 

What to Avoid in Sunscreen 

Dr. Dao explained, “SPF measures only UVB protection, and UVB is a thousand times more effective in causing redness of the skin than UVA. SPF 30 extends the time needed by 30-fold before the skin turns red from sun exposure. SPF 50 extends the time needed by 50-fold.” However, he added, “No matter what the SPF level, sunscreens wear out at the same rate and need to be reapplied about once every two hours, even more frequently if engaging in water activities.” Dr. Dao also said that UVA makes up about 95 percent of the sun’s UV radiation, which reaches Earth and contributes to photodamage and skin cancers.

So overall, said Dr. Dao, “Broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher are recommended to protect against UVA and UVB,” but he noted that higher isn’t necessarily better. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen to achieve the reported SPF level, so using a higher-SPF sunscreen could offer greater protection. “However, there are diminishing returns once going above SPF 50,” said Dr. Dao, explaining, “SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of UVB, SPF 50 blocks 98 percent, and SPF 100 blocks 99 percent.”

• Avoid non-broad-spectrum sunscreens. According to Dr. Dao, “You want broad-spectrum sunscreens to protect against UVA and UVB, with SPF 30 or higher.”
  
• Avoid buying expensive sunscreens. Dr. Dao said that expensive sunscreens don’t yield better results just because they cost more.

Fortune’s Final Thoughts

EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum is an ideal face sunscreen for professionals, given that it’s easy to apply, lightweight, and breathable once on—you won’t feel like you slathered yourself in sunscreen before heading to work. This sunscreen also works for most skin types, may help even skin tone, and is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic. 

Frequently asked questions

Does sunscreen expire? How often should you replace your sunscreen?

Sunscreens typically have an expiration date noted on the packaging. We recommend checking your sunscreen’s expiration date to determine when to replace it, as expiration dates can vary from product to product.

Should you use sunscreen before or after moisturizer?

Dr. Dao said, “The usual advice is to apply chemical sunscreens to dry, clean skin, as the chemical sunscreens need to be absorbed into the skin to function. On the other hand, physical blockers are usually advised to be applied after moisturizing, as they function to block UV rays. Of note, there are moisturizers with SPF protection built in that can serve as a good base level of protection, and it is always important to remember the importance of reapplication every two hours and the use of protective clothes to decrease UV exposure.”

What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen?

As Dr. Dao explained, there are physical (also known as mineral) and chemical sunscreens, each with different active ingredients. Physical sunscreens usually have the active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, and are often thicker in texture and work by reflecting and shielding the skin from UV light, said Dr. Dao. Chemical sunscreens have chemical compounds like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and more, which absorb UV rays and help decrease UV-related skin damage, according to Dr. Dao.

Do you need to use daily facial sunscreen if you work inside?

“Yes, using a daily facial sunscreen is helpful for regular UV protection,” said Dr. Dao, explaining, “UV light can penetrate windows, so I do have patients who accrue UV damage to their skin, or flare their UV-sensitive skin conditions, even if they work all day indoors by the window. We also invariably walk outside to get errands done during the day, and 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there does add up over a lifetime.”